Open cast mining ruled out in Paparoa

The National Government has ruled out open cast mining in Paparoa National Park effectively meaning old growth forest will be sacrificed solely for the extraction of coal, the Green Party said today.

The revelation was made by Gerelee Brownlee on TV3’s The Nation on Saturday.

“This most recent back down effectively means that the Government is prepared to risk our tourism and export industries simply for more coal,” said Green Party conservation spokesperson Kevin Hague.

“You can’t continue to promote a “100% Pure” brand worldwide while you mine for coal in our national parks. That's not a smart way to run an economy.

“We're risking our long-term prosperity for short-term gain; We're risking our 100% Pure brand for 1% of the royalties from mining.”

Gerry Brownlee has shut the door on open cast mining — the most destructive form of mining — in the Coromandel, on Great Barrier Island, and now in Paparoa National Park.

“The Green Party continues to oppose the Key Government’s plans to mine Schedule 4 conservation land — our most precious wild spaces,” said Mr Hague.

“There’s no such thing as surgical mining: Roads need to be built to reach mining sites, large amounts of fill need to be relocated, fresh water systems are vulnerable to toxic contamination.

“And no amount of re-planting can replace the biodiversity living in a single old growth tree, often home to hundreds of different plant species, insect communities, and birds. It will take another 600 years for the mined parts of Paparoa National Park to recover,” Mr Hague said.

“We're mortgaging the family silver all over again, mostly for the profit of international mining companies.”